KEY POINTS:
Name: Victoria McArthur
Age: 42
Role: Manager, Remuera Business Association.
Working hours: 40 hours per week.
Average salary: Relevant to size of business association. Salary is paid by Mainstreet.
Qualifications: Tertiary business qualification and relevant successful work experience.
Describe what you do.
I am manager of the Remuera Business Association. It has about 170 members, which include retailers, infrastructure businesses (banks, travel agents, dentists), an Auckland City Council member and a Hobson Community Board member. Membership is automatic for every business within the association's Mainstreet area.
The Mainstreet programme is a local government initiative to promote economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing. These programmes are managed at a local level so those involved in the community area are well practised at advocating their needs. It also allows all interested parties within the area to create effective partnerships with their council.
The association's role is to promote the Remuera shopping centre as a desirable place to shop, work and invest. This should flow through to the community and provide residents with a strong sense of belonging and pride.
My role involves the implementation of strategies that will ensure economic growth of the businesses within the area. I work with retailers, business owners, politicians and the local community - such as heritage, community, social and school groups.
Your history?
Originally from the northeast of England, my first role was with Middlesbrough Borough Council in its recreation department. After five years of working in this bleak, but nonetheless beautiful, part of the world I got itchy feet. I spent a few years in Holland and then decided I needed to venture further afield. I arrived in New Zealand on Waitangi Day, 1990 and never looked back.
My first job here was with a print company where I moved into a business development position.
I also began my post-grad diploma in business marketing. A husband and two children followed with many hours spent volunteering for school fundraisers, together with some freelance marketing.
My next position was as costume-room manager for the Auckland Santa Parade, a rewarding and frantic role. This was followed by three years as the marketing manager of Stardome Observatory and then this position.
What challenges does Remuera face?
The challenges faced by the businesses are not dissimilar to any other businesses around the Auckland region. However, we believe that within the Remuera neighbourhood our passion for quality and service will meet these challenges.
What sort of training is needed for this job?
My strength is in marketing; however my local knowledge and networking skills, coupled with my strong interest in community organisations, give me a good base to promote the area.
What do you hope to achieve in your first year in this job?
As I am new to the role, the names of the many faces I see on the street are my first challenge.
I hope that I can sit here in 2009 and know that all parties with a vested interest in the area are satisfied with what I am able to bring to their community.
What skills do you need for this role?
It's a one-stop shop, really, so organisation and planning skills and the ability to prioritise their implementation are important, together with an empathy with the local area and building positive relationships with all stakeholders.
As you report through to an executive committee and are responsible to an entire community, it is important that you can also meet objectives and carry out agreed strategies.
Why is your job important?
The Mainstreet programme is complex as there are so many components of the area to deal with. The role of the manager is to take on board all these factors and work with the executive committee to determine priorities. I then carry out the plans determined by the group.
Most challenging part of the job?
Making sure enough time is given to all aspects of the role.
Most rewarding part?
Being able to get to know Remuera; its character, history and the charm and appeal that creates a real community.
Any interesting tales?
One thing that has struck me is how well this community knows each other. I have already heard about Millie at Maxwell's Drycleaners who is a world marathon champion and Mr Veer, the original owner from Veer Electrical, has just turned 100.
Advice to someone wanting to do the same thing?
Enjoy people and getting to know what makes people tick.
My marketing background is an asset and the time spent organising school fundraisers and the like over the years has given me great organisation skills and a good networking base.
